Latest news with #Phumtham
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Supreme Patriarch backs reform effort
The Supreme Patriarch is calling for a sweeping overhaul of the country's monastic laws, urging the government to review the Sangha Act and revise outdated regulations to safeguard the sanctity of Buddhism, according to acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday. After meeting the Supreme Patriarch at Wat Ratchabophit yesterday, Mr Phumtham said in the wake of recent scandals which have rocked the monastic community, His Holiness is calling on all Thais to fully commit to protecting the religion. He said the Supreme Patriarch is in favour of reviewing the Sangha Act, which was first enacted in 1962, to ensure its relevance in today's society. "The Supreme Patriarch has also made it clear that action must be taken against monks who violate the monastic code," he said. "His Holiness also supports a plan by authorities to draft new regulations. He called for a thorough review of the Sangha Act to strengthen its provisions." He said that any amendments to the law must be coordinated with the Sangha Supreme Council, but emphasised that the Supreme Patriarch had already set the tone for a stricter and more disciplined approach. The Minister of the Prime Minister's Office, Suchart Tancharoen, echoed the call for reform. He said a working group is studying the Sangha Act to find ways to improve transparency and ensure punishment for misconduct. The reform process is being fast-tracked with input from relevant agencies to ensure the solutions are comprehensive and practical, he said. "We've already begun coordinating with the Ministry of Interior, local administrative bodies, and the national police," Mr Suchart said. "The National Office of Buddhism [NOB] may not have the authority to make arrests, but other agencies can, and everyone is taking this matter seriously. We must act now to protect the faith, and remember that wrongdoing is individual, not institutional." He confirmed he has instructed the NOB to draft the amendments within two weeks. Separately, opposition and People's Party leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, said his party is drafting its own version of the Sangha Act to address transparency in temple finances. He proposed that all donations over 100,000 baht be processed through electronic systems to ensure accountability. Key points in the draft include mandatory digital accounting of temple incomes, the use of e-donation systems for transparency, and strict bans on gambling or unethical conduct involving monks. Disciplinary and legal action will be taken without any exceptions. National Police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch said yesterday that the police have received 69 complaints against monks for misconduct.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Supreme Patriarch urges Thai govt to act against monks violating celibacy vow
BANGKOK: The Supreme Patriarch (pic) has called on the Thai government to take action against senior monks who violate their celibacy vows, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. On Thursday (July 17) morning, Phumtham, who also serves as the Interior Minister, met the Supreme Patriarch to present offerings for the start of Buddhist Lent. After the meeting, Phumtham told reporters that the Supreme Patriarch had urged the government and all sectors of society to work together to protect Buddhism. Phumtham revealed that the Supreme Patriarch emphasised the need for no leniency toward senior monks who commit Parajika offences. These are the most serious violations in Buddhist monastic rules, which include breaking the celibacy vow. Phumtham assured the Supreme Patriarch that strict action would be taken against any monks found guilty of such offences. Monks are bound by strict disciplinary rules, including the following four Parajika offences: >Sexual Intercourse (Abrahmacariya): Any form of sexual activity, including with humans, non-humans, or even a deceased body, constitutes a violation of the celibacy vow. >Stealing (Adinnadana): Taking something of value without permission, with the intent to steal. >Killing a Human Being (Manussaviggaha): Intentionally taking or inciting the life of a human being, or even encouraging suicide. >False Claims of Spiritual Attainments (Uttarimanussadhamma): Falsely claiming to have attained spiritual enlightenment or supernatural abilities. The Supreme Patriarch's call for strict action comes in the wake of a scandal involving several senior monks, who have been accused of sexual misconduct with a woman identified as "Golf." It is reported that the monks gave Golf up to 300 million baht. The scandal, which has damaged the reputation of respected temples, came to light when leaked video clips showed the monks' involvement. While breaking the celibacy vow does not constitute a criminal offence, it is a serious violation of monastic discipline. Monks found guilty are required to be defrocked. However, criminal charges would apply only if embezzlement of temple funds is involved. Golf has already been arrested for embezzling funds from a temple, where it was revealed that a former abbot transferred 380,000 baht to her. Phumtham also informed the Supreme Patriarch about a proposal to draft new legislation that would make it a criminal offence for both women and monks to engage in sexual relationships. The Deputy Prime Minister mentioned that the Supreme Patriarch suggested a careful review of the existing law and any potential amendments to the Sangha Act. These changes should be made with caution, ensuring that they do not undermine Buddhism further. Phumtham also cautioned that the ongoing media coverage of the scandal involving Golf and the monks might have been exaggerated on social media. Therefore, the government should proceed carefully and ensure that any changes to the law are first discussed with the Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body of Buddhist monks. - The Nation/ANN
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Govt urges 'maximum restraint'
Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the government is "deeply dissatisfied" with Cambodia over the recent Ta Muen Thom incident but urged the public and military to remain calm. Mr Phumtham, who is currently the acting prime minister, addressed the recent border incident at the famous temple site in Surin province. He described the situation as unfortunate, attributing it to provocation. He instructed Thai military personnel to exercise maximum restraint and avoid escalating the situation, warning that Cambodia may use similar tactics to stir up conflict for political leverage. Mr Phumtham said Thai troops understand the situation and are trying not to use force or be blamed for provoking violence to reclaim disputed territory, adding that measures are in place to control access to parts of the temple area. When asked whether he feared more strife, the minister stressed the need to avoid fuelling hatred. He expressed concern that minor clashes could escalate into larger conflicts, endangering border communities and soldiers alike. "The government was already extremely dissatisfied with Cambodia," he said, adding that diplomatic measures are being taken, including potential ambassador recalls. He said Cambodian Senate president Hun Sen cannot be trusted, claiming he lacks international credibility as none of the issues regarding Cambodia were raised during recent international meetings. "We deal only with Prime Minister Hun Manet. Hun Sen, while influential, has no formal authority to speak on behalf of Cambodia," said Mr Phumtham. The minister called on Thai citizens to be patient and promised the government would not compromise its sovereignty. Domestic tourists returned to the temple on Wednesday to show support for Thai soldiers after a female Cambodian tourist shouted at Thai troops there earlier this week, leading to a heated confrontation. A group of 40 tourists from Bangkok gave two money garlands worth 10,000 baht to the soldiers involved. Deputy Royal Thai Army spokesman Col Ritcha Suksuwanon said the incident began when the tourist accused the troops of violating Cambodia's sovereignty.
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Phumtham warns 'idle' officials
Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday warned idle ministry officials that they face the risk of being transferred, and that the reshuffle of positions within the ministry could be finalised this month. Mr Phumtham's warning came as speculation of a reshuffle arose ahead of the transfer season in late September, which is the end of the government fiscal budget year. "Nobody is going to wait until September," Mr Phumtham, who also serves as acting prime minister, told reporters in reference to the repositioning of high-ranking officials within the ministry to match its operational needs. "I have ordered all departments to start working because I want to see everything operational by Oct 1 because there are so many issues at hand," he said. Mr Phumtham said he expects all the changes to be completed by mid-August at the latest. When asked if the deputy permanent secretary for interior, who supervised the revocation of ownership of the Alpine Golf and Sports Club, would be transferred, Mr Phumtham said he would look into this and other cases, including the Khao Kradong land controversy. The Alpine Golf and Sports Club is linked to the Shinawatra family, while parts of the Khao Kradong land are linked to the Chidchob family, a main backer of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), which recently exited the government coalition. If there are grounds to claims of violations of Section 157 of the Criminal Code for malfeasance in office, or if any work duties have been neglected or laws breached, legal action may follow, Mr Phumtham said. Transfers of idle, under-performing or law-breaking staff can proceed immediately if there is sufficient evidence, he said.
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Govt denies US demanded use of Thai navy base during tariff talks
Three cabinet ministers on Tuesday denied a report the United States demanded the use of a navy base in southern Phangnga province during tariff negotiations with Thailand. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed his concern over media reports that the US wanted use of the Phang-nga naval base, which fronts the Andaman Sea, in exchange for a favour during tariff negotiations. Mr Phumtham said at Government House on Tuesday that he had never discussed such an issue with the US. Mr Phutham, who is currently acting prime minister, said the navy wanted to develop the Phang-nga base as a major facility but budgetary constraints were holding it up. Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit also said he had not seen any official offer on the matter, only unconfirmed media reports. He said Thailand adhered to its policy of 'balance' when it came to security issues. Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa also said there was no official material on the matter. The reports were only speculation. A source at the navy said there was neither a plan to provide the US with long-term use of the Phang-nga naval base nor any confirmation that the US would fund the development of the base. Visits by American warships to Thai navy bases were covered by a long-standing bilateral agreement on logistics. The Thai armed forces would not allow any foreign military base in Thailand, the source said.
